Tips to help you manage anxiety

October 31st, 2014

We offer some practical advice to help you manage anxiety symptoms day-to-day.

Almost all of us experience feelings of anxiety from time to time, but for some it is something they experience on a daily basis. Whether you have a social phobia, suffer from panic/anxiety attacks, or you simply feel overwhelmed – anxiety can have a significant impact on well-being.

If you suffer from anxiety, you might find the following practical tips useful:

Watch out for your triggers

Understanding what your personal anxiety triggers are means you can plan ahead. If you know you are likely to come up against your anxiety triggers, try to plan some activities to help you cope, such as periods of exercise or meditation.

Talk to someone you trust

Internalising your fears and anxieties will only make things worse. If you don’t feel you can talk to a friend or family member, consider speaking to a professional such as a counsellor or hypnotherapist.

Start exercising

There are so many benefits to exercising, both physically and mentally. One such benefit is that it reduces stress and anxiety. If exercise isn’t currently part of your life, look to include a gentle walk every morning to get you started.

Take time-outs to breathe

When you feel symptoms of anxiety start, try taking yourself away from the situation triggering your anxiety and breathe slowly to calm your body and mind. You may also find it helpful to try an activity like yoga or meditation to help you de-stress.

Find time to laugh

It may not seem like a priority, but finding some time to laugh every day can really help ease anxiety. Create a library of funny movies or schedule in some time with your friends to do something fun.

Take action on a personal goal

For some people, anxiety stems from not having a sense of control. To put yourself back in the driving seat, aim to take an action every day to help you achieve a personal goal. For example, if your goal is to learn a new skill – take some time every day to work on it. Knowing you are taking steps to achieve a goal should help you feel calmer and more in control.

Get enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep can make you more susceptible to stress and anxiety, so ensure you are getting a good night’s sleep. If you find nighttime is when your mind starts racing, try writing any worries in a journal before going to bed.